The team noted that concomitant antibiotic use was associated with risk of recurrent CDI, while age, peripheral leucocyte count >15 × 109/L, and change in serum creatinine greater than 1.5-fold were not.

Dr Pardi's team concludes, "Antibiotic use was independently associated with a dramatic risk of recurrent Clostridium difficile infection in an out-patient cohort."

"It is important to avoid unnecessary systemic antibiotics in patients with Clostridium difficile infection, and patients with ongoing antibiotic use should be monitored closely for recurrent infection."